Naruto: People are in Konoha, the system arrived 20 years earlier Chapter 062

Upon arriving at the Hidden Craftsman Village, the group first sought out a clean and comfortable inn to settle in.

Purchasing ninja tools was not a task that could be completed overnight, so they decided to take a steady approach, moving forward step by step.

“Next, let’s split up. You three will purchase according to the requirements on this list,” Sakumo said, handing a detailed list to Akiteru and his two teammates.

The trio quickly exchanged glances, understanding immediately.

They clearly understood that Sakumo and Hayato likely had other important matters to attend to, which was why they suggested splitting up.

“Understood, Sakumo-sensei.” Akiteru solemnly took the list, then led his two companions to purchase the ninja tools.

Soon, the two groups went their separate ways.

“Sakumo-sensei, aren’t we going to do some purchasing first?” Hayato asked, confused, as he noticed Sakumo was leading him in the exact opposite direction of the shopping district.

Sakumo smiled gently at his words. “Did you forget our main purpose for coming here?”

“Ah, are we going to forge ninja tools now?” Hayato suddenly realized, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

Indeed, their main goal for this trip was to forge a custom weapon, and purchasing ninja tools was merely a side objective.

Sakumo nodded lightly, motioning for Hayato to follow. “Come with me.”

Before long, the two arrived at a secluded alley in the northeast part of the Hidden Craftsman Village.

Here, various workshops were gathered, and the air was filled with a unique scent of metal and wood intertwined.

Hayato followed closely behind Sakumo, noting that the latter clearly knew the area like the back of his hand. He secretly guessed that Sakumo must have acquaintances here.

Passing through the winding alley, the two finally stopped in front of a slightly dilapidated workshop.

“This is it. Good, he hasn’t moved.” Sakumo looked up at the slightly mottled signboard above, his tone carrying a hint of relief.

“Uemon Blacksmith Shop,” Hayato softly read the name on the signboard, his eyes full of curiosity and anticipation.

Compared to the surrounding workshops, this one seemed exceptionally quiet. There was no clanging sound of forging, and the signboard was covered with a thin layer of dust and cobwebs, clearly untouched for a long time.

However, out of trust in Sakumo, Hayato did not raise any questions.

“Is anyone here?” Sakumo lifted the door curtain and called inside.

“Yes, are you here to commission something?” A boy who looked like an apprentice poked his head out, a hint of long-lost surprise on his face.

They hadn’t had any business in a long time.

“Excuse me, I’d like to ask if Master Uemon is here?” Sakumo politely inquired.

Upon hearing the name, the joy on the apprentice’s face instantly faded. “My master isn’t here.”

“Who are you?” The apprentice scrutinized Sakumo and Hayato.

“It’s a long story. If you could, would you tell me Uemon’s whereabouts?” Sakumo waved his hand, speaking softly. “I’m a friend of his.”

“At this time, he should be at the izakaya,” the apprentice said, lowering his head, his tone somewhat perfunctory.

After speaking, the apprentice turned and went back into the workshop, leaving Sakumo and Hayato looking at each other.

“What’s going on?” A hint of confusion appeared on Sakumo’s face, then he looked apologetically at Hayato. “Hayato, it seems you’ll have to go back to the inn and wait for a while. I’ll go check it out.”

“Huh? Why?” Hayato tilted his head, looking at Sakumo with a puzzled expression.

“That place… it’s not suitable for children,” Sakumo stammered, explaining.

“Oh, that’s easy.” Hayato quickly formed hand signs, and after a puff of smoke dissipated, he had transformed into Shota using the Transformation Jutsu. “Sakumo-sensei, let’s go.”

Sakumo was stunned, then quickly said, “This… Hayato, it’s not a matter of Transformation Jutsu.”

“Could it be that Sakumo-sensei has some unspeakable secrets and is going to do something at that place? It seems I’ll have to talk to Kakashi. I bet he’ll have a stepmother soon,” ‘Shota’ mischievously winked, speaking mysteriously.

Sakumo’s mouth twitched. “What nonsense are you spouting? No, who taught you all this?”

“Relax, that’s not important. The main point now is to find the owner of this shop and figure out what’s going on, right?” ‘Shota’ waved his hand, looking unconcerned.

“Alright, but remember not to wander off once we’re there. Just follow me,” Sakumo reluctantly conceded.

“Don’t worry, Sakumo-sensei, I won’t let anything slip to Kakashi,” ‘Shota’ patted his chest, guaranteeing.

“What the hell?”

So, Sakumo led the way, speechless, as they walked through the bustling streets for a long time before learning the location of their destination.

The two entered the izakaya together, which was filled with a strong scent of rouge and alcohol. Many middle-aged men were embracing women, their faces beaming with satisfaction and contentment.

“As expected, it’s not a proper bar; it’s a pleasure establishment disguised as an izakaya,” ‘Shota’ muttered softly, giving Sakumo a meaningful look.

“How many times do I have to tell you, I just said children shouldn’t drink,” Sakumo said in a low voice, covering his face awkwardly as he noticed ‘Shota’s’ gaze.

“Yes, yes.”

“What children? We don’t have any young ones here,” a sharp female voice suddenly interjected.

Immediately after, a lavishly dressed woman approached Sakumo, smiling as she spoke, “Sir, what service do you require? We have everything here.”

Sakumo, true to his Sigma male nature, directly pushed her away, his expression unchanged as he spoke.

“We’re here to find someone.”

“I understand, I understand.” The woman was about to lean in again, wanting to introduce their services.

Sakumo deftly dodged her, then continued walking forward.

Seeing this, the woman wasn’t angry, muttering, “Such a prude,” then she looked at ‘Shota’.

However, ‘Shota’ preempted her, gently waving his right hand to stop her. “With all due respect, you’re too old.”

Well, she certainly was old; her biological age was twice his.

Then he followed Sakumo, continuing to walk forward.

The woman’s face turned ashen, her fists clenched. She watched the two walk away, gritting her teeth as she said, “What the hell! I’m only thirty this year!”

After this small interlude, the other women in the shop did not approach them again.

The two slowly walked through the shop, their eyes scanning the crowd for their target.

Soon, Sakumo stopped, his gaze fixed on a figure with a white rope tied around his forehead, wearing a grey kimono robe.

That person was hiding in a corner, drinking alone, as if isolated from the world.

“Is that him?” ‘Shota’ mumbled, his eyes showing a hint of curiosity and scrutiny.

Sakumo said nothing, instead walking directly to the man and sitting down beside him.

“I told you, I don’t have any money for you,” the man reflexively spoke, assuming the person who came to his side was another hostess.

“Uemon, long time no see,” Sakumo said gently, his voice as warm and comforting as a spring breeze.

Uemon, who had been looking down, paused, then slowly raised his head to look at Sakumo.

A hint of surprise and confusion flashed in his eyes, but more so, the joy of a long-awaited reunion.

“You are… Sakumo?” Uemon’s voice trembled slightly, his pupils contracting.

After a moment, Uemon continued. “Ah, it has been a long time indeed,” his tone carrying a mix of emotion and melancholy.